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The Fall of Boris Johnson

The Award-Winning, Explosive Account of the PM's Final Days

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The Fall of Boris Johnson

By: Sebastian Payne
Narrated by: Sebastian Payne
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About this listen

The Fall of Boris Johnson is the explosive inside account of how a prime minister lost his hold on power. Written and read by Sebastian Payne, Director of Onward and former Whitehall Editor for the Financial Times.

Winner at the 2022 Parlimentary Book Awards
A New Statesman, The Times, Daily Mail and FT Book of the Year
'Revelatory' - The Daily Telegraph
'Delicious detail' - The Times


Boris Johnson was touted as the saviour of the country and the Conservative Party, obtaining a huge commons majority and finally 'getting Brexit done'. But, within three short years, he was deposed in disgrace and left the country in crisis.

Sebastian Payne tells the essential behind-the-scenes story, charting the series of scandals that felled Johnson: from the blocked suspension of Owen Paterson, through partygate and the final death blow: the Chris Pincher allegations. This is the full narrative of the betrayals, rivalries and resignations that resulted in the dramatic Conservative coup – and set in motion those events that saw the party sink to catastrophic new lows.

With unparalleled access to those who were in the room when key decisions were made, Payne tells of the miscalculations and mistakes that led to Boris Johnson’s downfall. This is a gripping and timely look at how power is gained, wielded and lost in Britain today.

'Genuinely page-turning' - Andrew Marr
'Entertaining and illuminating' - Tim Shipman

Corruption & Misconduct Elections & Political Process Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Words, Language & Grammar Writing & Publishing Thought-Provoking Inspiring

Critic reviews

An entertaining and illuminating fly on the wall romp through Boris Johnson's final nine months, where the fly, Seb Payne, must frequently have thought he was on hallucinogens. It's more fun than a Downing Street party and contains a suitcase full of news. (Tim Shipman)
A timely reminder of the fine art of defenestration written by one of Fleet Street’s most trusted insiders. Delicious detail, break-neck pace and a curiosity which is both urgent yet empathetic. We are lucky to have Sebastian Payne. One of the finest of his generation. (Emily Maitlis)
A genuinely page turning, gripping account of some of the most extraordinary days in modern British history. Very well sourced, this is a book historians will be turning to for a long time to come. The fall of emperors often seems a more interesting theme than their rise; Seb Payne triumphantly confirms it. (Andrew Marr)
Brilliant, a devastating piece of contemporary history and I’d recommend anyone with a remote interest in politics reads it. However bad you thought the Boris Johnson denouement was, Payne shows that it was much worse. (Fraser Nelson)
Any Tory MP tempted by a Johnson comeback should be prescribed this book by their GP (The Times, A Political Book of the Year)
Payne writes with great skill . . . borders on the best of Tom Sharpe . . . revelatory
I urge you to read (Nick Cohen)
Revealing stories . . . delicious detail
Seasoned Westminster commentator Payne brilliantly, breathlessly and low-blow by low-blow captures the car crash at Downing Street (Daily Mail, A Book of the Year)
Has all the pace, intrigue, complexity and dirt worthy of the finest Netflix drama
Payne tells the inside story, charting the crescendo of scandals that led to the resignation of a prime minister
All stars
Most relevant
This is a fantastic book. I've ended up listening to it at every odd moment. I am very glad it was read by Mr Payne, he is clear and always interesting. He very fairly gives the perspectives of all involved and really only has a small analysis at the end as he draws together the threads of key questions. I actually enjoyed this a lot due to the lack of bias - though you have to be interested in the cut and thrust of politics and the characters. A very good first draft of history - I spent most of the time remembering each incident and it is a remarkable amount of incidents. The sheer bloody hard work and skill to be able to do this sort of work adds its own lustre. The lack of spite and edge will hopefully make it a lasting work.

Brisk, objective and fascinating

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Little critical insight and nothing that is not generally known about Johnson but possibly a good summary of his downfall.

A hagiography to Johnson

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Great story (even though much of it may not be new) but badly in need of a professionak narrator. Would still recommend.

Very enjoyable

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It’s one of those books you start and you cannot leave. I wouldn’t say it’s the best political book I’ve read or should I say listen too.

Boris, the con man

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Very enjoyable read. I would recommend it to anyone that was loosely following the demise of Johnson.

Great insights in a tumultuous time in British politics

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